Principal Tooling Engineer

Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is seeking a Principal Tooling Engineer in Louisville, KY to lead tooling projects, manage capital budgets, and ensure tooling designs meet quality, cost, and delivery targets. You will mentor engineers, drive NPI programs, and collaborate with plant operations to optimize manufacturing tooling and equipment.

The role emphasizes DFMA, process improvements, and adherence to EHS standards, with travel as needed to supplier sites and plants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field or equivalent hands‑on experience
• 7+ years in tooling procurement, tool & die concepts, die components and applications
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, Creo or equivalent)

Responsibilities

• Manage tool and die equipment procurement projects including specification development and supplier engagement
• Ensure tooling and equipment maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Mentor junior tooling engineers and cross‑functional team members in tooling design and execution
• Own project metrics: capital equipment budgets, program schedules, reliability and quality targets
• Coordinate design efforts to develop a robust Tool and Die plan meeting product and operational requirements
• Lead/participate in trade‑off analyses for balancing competing metrics based on business impact
• Facilitate 3P manufacturing tooling development and ensure compatibility across the value stream
• Ensure equipment complies with EHS standards and safety practices

Skills

Tooling procurement

Tool & die design

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make "good things, for life." As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we're powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together. The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities. Interested in joining us on our journey? The GE Appliances' Principal Tooling Engineer is a member of the Metal Stamping Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME) team which owns and maintains the engineering standards for metal stamping tooling and equipment for the company. The Principal Tooling Engineer will be responsible for managing and executing tooling projects, ensuring that all tooling and equipment are compliant with standards and executed within the project or program deliverables (cost, quality, and delivery). Principal Tooling Engineers are responsible for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and product line projects to drive product cost out and factory productivity. The Principal Tooling Engineer will be a key liaison between the project team and the plant operation and manufacturing teams; ensuring that plant priorities and objectives are clearly understood and considered for the area under their ownership. This includes developing specifications, design for manufacturing, and applying lean principles to product and process designs, transferring knowledge to the factory teams, and developing team member capabilities.

Position Principal Tooling Engineer Location USA, Louisville, KY

How You'll Create Possibilities

• Manage tool and die equipment procurement projects including specification development utilizing GE Appliances standards, supplier selection, early supplier engagement, technical reviews, factory layout development, installation and qualification of high quality, right sized and cost-effective tooling & equipment.
• Ensure all tooling and equipment is reliable and robust and designed to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Grow the AME organization’s capability by mentoring, guiding, and helping more junior tooling engineers and/or cross-functional team members regarding tooling design and execution as well as adding to the body of knowledge of the department (training, developing new processes, supporting Hoshin objectives, etc.).
• Own the project metrics such as capital equipment & tooling budgets, program schedule deliverables, reliability, quality and labor targets.
• Work with the internal customer to perform trade-off analysis on competing metrics if necessary and drive decisions based on overall business impact.
• Coordinate design efforts between part design engineers and internal customers to develop a robust Tool and Die operational plan and execution that meets product and operational requirements.
• Own the program metrics as applicable to assigned projects like manufacturing labor plan (VLOH), equipment and tooling budgets and quality of in-house manufactured parts/product.
• Work with the program / projects team(s) to perform trade-off analysis on competing metrics if necessary and drive decisions based on overall business impact.
• Facilitate / lead the use of the Production Preparation Process (3P) while developing manufacturing tooling, equipment and processes.
• Utilize cross-functional participation to ensure that the tooling, equipment and processes are compatible with the entire value stream.
• Efforts include right-sized equipment, workstation design, material presentation, standard work and single piece flow.
• Ensure all equipment executed in GEA factories comply with Industry and Governmental Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
• Utilize Human Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to ensure that all equipment / tooling / processes are implemented with the health and safety of the operators in mind.
• Work with functional leaders to ensure equipment & processes support business initiatives of Bill of Process (BoP), Lean Manufacturing, Ergonomic Design and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Work with factory operations and Lean teams to understand Value Stream and how your projects impact this.
• Ensure material flow, workstation set up, model mix, etc. are considered when workstations / equipment is designed.
• Utilize the 9-Step Process for tooling and equipment design; Work with cross-functional team to develop Manufacturing Control Plans (MCP) and Manufacturing Control Instructions (MCI).
• Work with the design team to ensure Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) is considered part design.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or related discipline OR equivalent hands-on experience in technical/manufacturing disciplines OR graduate of a certified tool & die apprenticeship program
• 7+ years of experience with tooling procurement as well as tool & die design concepts, die components and applications
• Proficient in 3D CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Creo or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing tooling & equipment procurement projects: Including specification development, supplier selection, technical reviews, installation and qualification of tooling / equipment.
• Experience with specification, design, and installation of tool and die equipment in a large-scale manufacturing environment, die change systems, and associated processes.
• Prior NPI program experience

Working Conditions

Working conditions are normal for a high-volume manufacturing environment. Work may involve lifting materials and products up to 30 pounds and working in and around heavy equipment. Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hard hats. These roles require frequent walking in a manufacturing plant environment. 20% travel may be required during peak project times for domestic and/or international travel to supplier sites/ plants, etc.

Hours & Weekends

Working off-shift and weekends will be required.

Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities. This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices. By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.

GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail to [e-mail]

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is more than a place to work. We imagine, design and build some of the world's best appliances. Our people strive to improve themselves, the company and the community-building careers along the way. We value diversity, teamwork, innovation and lean manufacturing. We work with some of the best people in the world who take pride in our products and thrive on challenges. More than a place to work, GE Appliances is a place of opportunity, a place to grow and a place to develop your career.